Greys River Snowmobiling: A Rider's Guide

Ask serious sledders where to ride and Alpine, Wyoming comes up fast. Tucked at the foot of the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, the town sits on top of 300+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails and averages around 500 inches of snow a year. The crown jewel is the Greys River corridor — a legendary system that runs deep into the Bridger-Teton National Forest. And if you're staying at Wild Huckleberry Cabin, the trailhead is just minutes away. Here's your complete guide to riding the Greys River.

Why the Greys River?

The Greys River is widely considered some of the best snowmobiling in the country — and for good reason. You get reliable, deep powder, dramatic river-canyon and mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and a trail network big enough that you could ride for a week and never repeat yourself. It works for every level: mellow, scenic miles for first-timers and families, plus endless off-trail powder and climbs for experts.

The Trails

• The A Trail: The main artery runs roughly 81 miles up the Greys River and along the Smiths Fork River — a bucket-list ride through the heart of the forest.
• Greys River Road (FSR 10138): A U.S. Forest Service road groomed for snowmobiles in winter. It's scenic and relatively flat to rolling, which makes it ideal for beginners and warm-ups.
• Backcountry & bowls: Off the groomed routes, the surrounding terrain opens into powder fields, meadows, and climbs for experienced riders (with the right gear and avalanche awareness — more on that below).

Main trails are typically groomed every other day and secondary trails every other week, so conditions stay excellent through the season.

Getting to the Trailhead

The Greys River Snowmobile Trailhead is only about a mile from Alpine. From town, turn onto Greys River Road (Forest Service Road 10138); the trailhead begins just past a large parking area that easily fits trucks and trailers and has a restroom. The groomed trailhead is closed to wheeled vehicles from December 1 through May 1, so it's sled country all winter. Our partners at JH Adventure Rentals keep detailed directions and current info.

When to Go

Prime season runs from roughly mid-December through mid-March. Before about December 20 and after mid-March, snow can be thin enough that you may need to trailer up to higher elevations rather than ride straight from town. Midwinter is the sweet spot: deep base, groomed trails, and short lift lines everywhere because there are no lifts — just open country.

What You'll Need

• Wyoming permit: Every snowmobile in Wyoming needs a current Wyoming Resident or Nonresident User Fee Decal (about $35), available online or from local vendors.
• Gear: Dress in warm, waterproof layers — Alpine winters are cold. If you rent in town, shops typically provide boots, gloves, bibs, coats, and a helmet or head sock.
• Rentals & guides: You don't need to own a sled. Several outfitters in Alpine rent machines and run guided tours — some riders even go from the rental shop straight to the trail with no trailering hassle.

Safety First

The Greys River backcountry is beautiful and, in places, avalanche terrain. Before you ride, check the forecast at the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, carry a beacon, probe, and shovel when you leave the groomed trails, ride with a partner, and tell someone your plan. Stick to the groomed road system if you're newer to mountain riding — there's plenty of spectacular, low-risk terrain to enjoy.

Basecamp: Wild Huckleberry Cabin

The best part of riding the Greys is coming home to a cabin minutes from the trailhead. Wild Huckleberry Cabin sleeps 8, has a 2-car garage for your gear, and a 20-foot river rock fireplace to thaw out by after a day in the powder. Guests have told us that being able to travel with snowmobiles from the rental shop to the house to the trails saved them the trailering headache entirely.

For more on the area, see our guide to things to do in Alpine, Wyoming. Ready to plan your snowmobiling trip? Book your stay at Wild Huckleberry Cabin today.